Ap Psychology Unit 1 Flashcards Neurons

What is a neuron?

A neuron is a specialized cell that transmits nerve impulses.

What are the main parts of a neuron?

The main parts are the cell body, dendrites, and the axon.

What do dendrites do?

Dendrites receive signals from other neurons.

What is the function of the axon?

The axon transmits signals away from the neuron to other cells.

What is the myelin sheath?

The myelin sheath is a layer of fatty tissue that insulates the axon and speeds up signal transmission.

What are neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

What is a synapse?

A synapse is the junction between two neurons where communication occurs.

What is the all-or-nothing principle?

The all-or-nothing principle states that a neuron either fires completely or not at all.

What is resting potential?

Resting potential is the state of a neuron when it is not actively transmitting a signal.

What is action potential?

Action potential is the rapid change in electrical potential that occurs when a neuron fires.

What is a glial cell?

Glial cells are supportive cells in the nervous system that help maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and protection for neurons.

What is the function of microglia?

Microglia act as the immune defense in the central nervous system, removing waste and debris.

What are Schwann cells?

Schwann cells are responsible for the myelination of axons in the peripheral nervous system.

What is the difference between afferent and efferent neurons?

Afferent neurons carry sensory information to the central nervous system, while efferent neurons carry motor commands from the central nervous system to muscles.

What is the role of a sensory neuron?

Sensory neurons are responsible for transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain.

What is a motor neuron?

Motor neurons transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles or glands.

What neurotransmitter is primarily involved in muscle contraction?

Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter primarily involved in muscle contraction.

What is the role of dopamine?

Dopamine is involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.

What effects does serotonin have?

Serotonin regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.

What is the function of GABA?

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system.

What role does glutamate play in the brain?

Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.

What is the impact of endorphins?

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that help relieve pain and induce feelings of pleasure or euphoria.

What is synaptic plasticity?

Synaptic plasticity is the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, based on increases or decreases in their activity.

What is the blood-brain barrier?

The blood-brain barrier is a selective barrier that prevents certain substances in the blood from entering the brain.

What are action potentials often compared to?

Action potentials are often compared to a 'domino effect' where the signal propagates down the axon.

What is neuromodulation?

Neuromodulation refers to the process by which neurotransmitters can affect a large number of neurons at once, influencing overall brain activity.

What does the term 'polarization' refer to in neurons?

Polarization refers to the difference in charge between the inside and outside of a neuron, which is crucial for action potentials.

What initiates an action potential?

An action potential is initiated when a neuron becomes sufficiently depolarized, reaching a threshold level.

What is the refractory period?

The refractory period is the time after an action potential during which a neuron cannot fire again.

What is the role of the axon terminals?

Axon terminals release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft to communicate with other neurons.

What is the all-or-nothing threshold?

The all-or-nothing threshold is the point at which the depolarization of a neuron is sufficient to trigger an action potential.

What happens during depolarization?

During depolarization, sodium ions rush into the neuron, making the inside of the cell more positively charged.

What occurs during repolarization?

During repolarization, potassium ions exit the neuron, restoring the negative internal charge.

What is the synaptic cleft?

The synaptic cleft is the small gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

What is reuptake in the context of neurotransmitters?

Reuptake is the process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the neuron that released them, terminating the signal.

What effect do stimulants have on neurotransmitters?

Stimulants typically increase the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, enhancing alertness and energy.

What is the primary function of neurotransmitter receptors?

Neurotransmitter receptors are proteins on the postsynaptic membrane that bind neurotransmitters and initiate a response in the receiving neuron.

What is the central nervous system (CNS)?

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, coordinating the body's activities.

What are the two main parts of the brain?

The two main parts are the cerebrum and the cerebellum.

What is the role of the cerebral cortex?

The cerebral cortex is involved in higher brain functions such as thought, action, and perception.

What are the four lobes of the brain?

The four lobes are the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes.

What is the function of the frontal lobe?

The frontal lobe is responsible for reasoning, planning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

What does the parietal lobe control?

The parietal lobe processes sensory information, including touch, temperature, and pain.

What is the primary role of the occipital lobe?

The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for visual processing.

What is the temporal lobe associated with?

The temporal lobe is associated with auditory perception and memory.

What is the function of the hippocampus?

The hippocampus is crucial for forming and storing memories.

What does the amygdala regulate?

The amygdala regulates emotions, particularly fear and aggression.

What is the brainstem responsible for?

The brainstem controls basic life functions, such as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure.

What is the role of the thalamus?

The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

What does the hypothalamus regulate?

The hypothalamus regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms.

What is the function of the corpus callosum?

The corpus callosum connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain, allowing communication between them.

What is neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

What role do neurotransmitters play in the brain?

Neurotransmitters transmit signals across synapses between neurons, influencing mood and behavior.

What function does the basal ganglia serve?

The basal ganglia are involved in movement regulation and motor control.

What is the role of glial cells?

Glial cells support neurons by providing structural support, nutrition, and insulation.

What does the cerebellum control?

The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements and maintains posture and balance.

What is the difference between the left and right hemispheres?

The left hemisphere is associated with logical and analytical thinking, while the right hemisphere is linked to creativity and intuition.

What is the function of the ventral tegmental area (VTA)?

The VTA is involved in reward processing and motivation, releasing dopamine in response to pleasurable activities.

What does the prefrontal cortex control?

The prefrontal cortex is involved in complex cognitive behavior, decision making, and moderating social behavior.

What is the impact of damage to Broca's area?

Damage to Broca's area can lead to problems with speech production and language comprehension.

What is Wernicke's area responsible for?

Wernicke's area is responsible for language comprehension; damage can lead to fluent but nonsensical speech.

What is the function of the motor cortex?

The motor cortex is responsible for planning, controlling, and executing voluntary movements.

What do sensory receptors do?

Sensory receptors detect stimuli from the environment and relay information to the brain.

What is the function of the visual cortex?

The visual cortex processes visual information from the eyes.

What is the role of the auditory cortex?

The auditory cortex processes auditory information, including sound recognition and location.

What does the term 'localization of function' refer to?

Localization of function refers to the concept that specific brain areas are responsible for specific functions or tasks.

What is an electroencephalogram (EEG)?

An EEG is a test that measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp.

How does the limbic system function?

The limbic system is involved in emotion, memory, and arousal, including structures like the hippocampus and amygdala.

What is the role of mirror neurons?

Mirror neurons fire both when an action is performed and when the action is observed, playing a role in learning and imitation.